First graders continue to develop their geometric understanding of two- and three-dimensional shapes by moving beyond the simple attribute identification and shape creation they learned in kindergarten to defining attributes and creating composite shapes. First graders also get their first assessed look at fractions via the part-whole relationship and are asked to partition triangles and rectangles into equal shares.

Editor's Note: This blog is part of a series of posts from former math specialist Scott Loomis on the real-world math templates he has created for Wixie and how you can use and modify them for your own awesome performance tasks. You can read the backstory on his experience and expertise below.

Jungle Gym Geometry

Grade 1

The Jungle Gym Geometry assessment template focuses on both identifying specific two-dimensional shapes and then creating a large composite shape and includes a basic introduction, skills assessment, and then open-ended project creation. The template can be completed individually or in small groups as a teacher-led class assignment or independently during station/center time.

Instructional Concept: Reason with shapes and their attributes.

Location: Curriculum > Math > Geometry

Add to your Wixie account: Select this link for Jungle Gym Geometry and when the template opens in a new tab, use the Log in button in the upper right to log into your account. Go to the File menu that is now showing and choose Make a Copy to add this template to the My Projects folder in your personal account.

Estimated Completion Time: 15-20 minutes

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.1.G.A.2  
Compose two-dimensional shapes (rectangles, squares, trapezoids, triangles, half-circles, and quarter-circles) or three-dimensional shapes (cubes, right rectangular prisms, right circular cones, and right circular cylinders) to create a composite shape, and compose new shapes from the composite shape. 

Wixie Skills Review:

1. Page 1 is a simple introduction to a ‘jungle gym’ introducing it as an object composed of numerous shapes. The teacher may opt to utilize the Instructions tool and add a recording of the directions for center purposes.
   • Show students how to move between pages in a project.
     
     
2. Page 2 contains a shape identification activity that piggy-back off skills learned in Kindergarten, but is necessary as a precursor to what they will create on Page 3.
   • Students will need to know how to use the Pencil tool and to select different colors in which that tool ‘writes’.
     
     
3. Page 3 is a ‘blank’ playground canvas for students to design a jungle gym wall that contains a minimal number of specific geometric shapes. The teacher may once again wish to add an audio recording of the instructions and can modify expectations as desired.
   • Students will need to know how to paint using the line (shapes) tool which provides the ‘straight’ sides of shapes that have been outlined as attributes.